Although bath faucets are the smallest accessories in the bathroom, they often do give a certain stylish look and impact to your bathroom. They are found in the bathtub, showers and lavatories. While at times it is advised that when choosing which bath faucet you want, you should first let the whole bathroom to be constructed for about nearly 90% before purchasing one, so that you can choose which faucet is suitable for the over-all design of the place. But if advance planning is done and if you have already visualized how your bathroom may look like after its construction, you should start before hand canvassing and purchasing bath faucets, before prices may rise up.
Materials for Faucets
When deciding on which faucet to purchase consider what kind of material you want it to be. There are faucets that are made from synthetic or poor quality of metals that corrodes easily even with the weakest acid contact. There are also some that easily rust when exposed in water and air for quiet a short time. There are also faucets that are made of metals that are durable enough that can stand metal corrosion and rust. Some of these metals that are being used to manufacture bath faucets are bronze, chrome, nickel, classic gold, copper, brass and stainless steel.
Design of Faucet
The next thing to consider is the type of the bath faucet. From the classic twist and twirl or wheel type to the single lever or double lever type, the design is up to you. However, choose the one that is very much convenient to use. Base your choice on functionality first before aesthetics. After determining the material from which it is made of and the type, the color and shape that suits your general bathroom set-up should come into consideration. The design actually depends on how the initial bathroom is conceptualized. This is when aesthetics will come into play.
Price
Last but not the least, price and how flexible your budget can get will be something you need to consider when purchasing the faucet. Choose not just the cheapest but also the quality that comes with it.
Bathroom Faucet Applications & the Type of Sink Required
The design of the faucet and sink go hand-in-hand like two peas in a pod. The style of sink used determines the type of faucet needed because they must be compatible. 4 inch center set (4cc) and 8 inch center set (8cc) are the most commonly used. There are also 1-hole and/or 12-16 inch widespread configurations. Other options are wall-mount or deck-mount vessel fillers, two handle and single lever designs, and spout lengths to accommodate different bowl sizes.
Single Hole Faucet & Sink
Generally used on smaller sinks, they are available in two handle and single lever designs and some have an optional deckplate for 4 inch center set applications. The spout and handles are attached to the base. They are also available in “mini-spread” designs.
4 inch Minispread Faucet & Sink
Also used on smaller sinks, the hot handle, spout and cold handle are 3 separate pieces giving the look and feel of a larger widespread model. These minispread faucets are only available in two handle designs.
8 inch Widespread Faucet & Sink
This style of faucet is usually used on larger sinks and most styles stretch up to 16 inch center set. The hot handle, spout and cold handle are 3 separate pieces and are only available in two handle designs. They can also be used for deck-mount vessel style sinks.
Vessel Filler Faucet & Sink
Vessel fillers or wall-mount faucets are usually used with vessel style sinks. They are available in two handle and single lever designs, and have various spout lengths to accommodate different bowl sizes.
Installation Considerations
If you’ve decided to install the faucet yourself, take into consideration a few things. Ensure that you have all the necessary parts before beginning. Although the basic parts of residential faucets come complete with handles, the pop-up drain assembly and are ready to install, there are other connection parts that are required and have to be purchased separately. These include the P-trap, water supplies and shut-off valves.
The sink mounting surface has to be taken into consideration before you install your sink. If you are installing an undermount style sink on a thick marble base, faucet extension may be required so that it lays flush with the surface. If you choose a pedestal or wall-mount sink where the fittings are exposed, you may want to coordinate the finish of the drain and P-trap with the rest of your faucets and fittings.
Some common installation tools include:
- Basin wrench
- Adjustable wrench
- Silicone sealant – Plumber\’s Putty is not generally recommended
- Teflon® tape
- Channel locks
- Screwdriver (Phillips and slotted)
- Flashlight
Finish Options
To ensure a uniform look to your bathroom faucet with its surrounding accessories, buy them from the same manufacturer. Most would come in a set or collection that typically includes the sink, tub and shower faucets, as well as whirlpool faucets, matching tower rings, bars and paper holders.
There are many finish options available to suit any décor. Some options are; chrome, polished brass, chrome/brass, brushed nickel, satin nickel, French gold, brushed chrome, oil rubbed bronze, weathered copper, French bronze, pewter, white, almond, biscuit, satine, platinum and more.
